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SriLankan Airlines Kuwait Flight Suspension | Confirmed Updates and Travel Advisory

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SriLankan Airlines suspended all flights to and from Kuwait between July 20 and July 26, 2026, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East. This suspension has been confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and multiple news reports. Reports claiming that the suspension has been extended until August 7, 2026, could not be independently verified at the time of writing. Travellers should therefore avoid relying on unconfirmed information and instead check their flight status directly through SriLankan Airlines' official website or customer support before travelling to the airport. It is important to note that Kuwait International Airport remains operational. The confirmed disruption applies only to SriLankan Airlines' Kuwait services and should not be interpreted as a general closure of the airport or all flights on the route. As airline schedules and operational decisions can change quickly, passengers should always refer to official airline announcements for the ...

Canada Expands Online Passport Renewal for Eligible Adults | IRCC Removes Daily Access Limit

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Canada has expanded its online passport renewal service for eligible adult citizens. Effective July 28, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has removed the daily application limit, allowing all eligible adults to access the digital renewal system. Eligible applicants residing within Canada can now complete the entire passport renewal process online through the IRCC Portal. The service allows users to submit their application, upload a digital passport photograph, pay the applicable fees online, and track their application status in real time. Original documents do not need to be mailed, and there is no requirement to visit a Service Canada Centre for eligible online renewals. The online service applies only to eligible adults living in Canada. Canadian citizens residing outside the country must continue using the existing passport renewal channels. Mail-in and in-person application options also remain available for applicants who prefer those methods or who do not...

Norway Launches Online Residence Permit Renewals | Who Can Use the New HOT System?

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Norway has introduced a new digital service that allows eligible foreign nationals to renew certain residence permits online without visiting a police station. The system, known as HOT (Heldigital Oppmøteløsning), has been rolled out by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) across selected police districts since May 5, 2026. The online renewal option is available only to applicants who are renewing an existing residence permit from within Norway, hold a valid Norwegian digital identity such as eID or BankID, and live in a police district where the HOT system is available. It complements the existing residence permit application process rather than replacing it. The service is not available for first-time applicants, people applying from outside Norway, individuals changing residence permit categories, or short-term and ad hoc assignment workers. These applicants must continue using the standard application process through a Norwegian consular post or a Priority Service Centre....

Indian Travellers Can Now Use UPI for Burj Khalifa Tickets in Dubai

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Indian travellers visiting Dubai can now use UPI-enabled apps to book At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets online before arriving in the UAE. As of July 29, 2026, the attraction became the first in the UAE to accept UPI for online ticket bookings. The facility has been introduced through a partnership between NEOPAY, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and Emaar Entertainment. Visitors from India can complete their ticket booking through the official Burj Khalifa website using any supported UPI app. This development expands the use of UPI in the UAE, where QR-based in-store payments have already been available since 2022. Travellers should check the latest payment availability and official booking information before making travel arrangements.

Japan 50,000 Worker Opportunity for Indians Still Open | Skilled Worker Pathway Update

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The India–Japan Human Resource Exchange and Cooperation Action Plan, which includes the movement of 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to Japan as part of a wider five-year target of over 500,000 people, was announced in August 2025 and is not a newly launched update. However, the employment pathway remains active through various sectors facing labour shortages in Japan, including IT, semiconductors, manufacturing, and caregiving. Recruitment and development channels connected with this initiative, including the JET Programme, METI Internship Program, and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) language and skill tests, continue to provide opportunities through new intake batches. Indian applicants interested in this pathway should first identify their category, such as skilled worker, student, intern, or researcher, and check eligibility through official government portals. Applicants should use only approved channels and remain cautious of unauthorized intermediaries.

South Africa ETA Fee Update for Indian Travellers | New Processing Charge Proposal Explained

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South Africa has proposed introducing a processing fee for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applications, with the Department of Home Affairs suggesting a charge of ZAR 500 (approximately ₹2,500). The draft rules are currently open for public comment until August 11, 2026, and if approved, the new fee would take effect from August 17, 2026. Since February 12, 2026, Indian ordinary passport holders have been able to apply online for an ETA or eVisa for short business and tourism visits through eligible entry points, including OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and Lanseria International Airport. Approved ETAs allow multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit. Travellers should remember that visa or ETA on arrival is not available. Those who require prior approval but arrive without the required authorisation may be refused entry. Applicants should check the latest official guidance before travelling, especially as immigration procedures and ...

Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules | Important Update for PR Applicants

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Japan is tightening its permanent residency rules, making this an important update for individuals planning to settle in the country over the long term. Prospective applicants should review the latest permanent residency requirements before preparing or submitting an application. As immigration policies can change, staying informed helps applicants understand the current expectations and avoid relying on outdated information. For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, always refer to Japan's official immigration authorities before making immigration or residency decisions.